Reasons why you should hire a professional photographer over having your Uncle Vinny take charge of the photographs:

• The quality of the photographers obtained by the client will be far better than if they took them. The fact is, even with excellent equipment and basic skills, the quality of a wedding photo are best when left to a professional to handle.
• When a couple hires a professional wedding photographer, chances are good that they will enjoy their day much more than if they had a friend handle the photos. The professional not only knows how to get the right shots, but he or she gets it done quickly and without worry to the couple.
• The professional has the ability to give the couple more time to themselves. Rather than standing there taking dozens of photos, they are able to relax more and enjoy themselves. The pictures are taken care of.
• It may even be less stressful for the bride and groom if they know a professional is taking all of these memories in for them. They do not have to worry about someone being missed or that something is not properly done. They know that a pro is handling the wedding shots.
• When the wedding photographs are done and printed, your friend or your cousin is still your friend. In other words, when things do not go right, and the shots do not come out properly, the professional is to blame and there is no lost friendship over it

Besides these points, keep in mind that not all “professionals” are actually professionals. Having expensive equipment may take better pictures than a point-n-shoot, but it’s all in the full knowledge of the equipment, technique and experience; which is only achieved with years of learning, listening and accepting criticism.

Professionals also have some sort of guarantee or indemnity insurance protecting the clients’ interests. Typically, professional photographers have memberships in organizations like the Professional Photographers of America (www.ppa.com), the Wedding Photojournalist Association (www.wpja.com) or the Wedding Photography Association (www.wppi.com), since these organizations (and others) have strict requirements for membership and some, like the PPA, have a code that photographers must abide by in order to reap the benefits of membership. PPA, for example, also helps in solving indemnity claims between the client and photographer. In other words, the photographer that you hire from these organizations will do the best job possible and guarantee their work. Not all professionals are members of these organizations. Look closely at their portfolio and ask questions; but always ask for a guarantee. Keep in mind that the professional will do the best job for the environment he or she is in.

The other thing to consider is the photographer’s style. Though the photographer may have a preferance in shooting style (B&W, color, pop-art, etc), don’t discount them as a potential vendor if the style differs from your expectations. Conveying your preferences for your photos will be well received or you will be well advised on what would work for you. All in all, you want to hire a professional who is curteous, abiding, but honest about his work, his ethics and what he will and will not do.

Cheers,

Alfred Lopez
Current Member of PPA